In the quiet suburbs of Gilbert, Arizona, a disturbing tale of broken promises and shattered dreams has unfolded, leaving homeowners in a state of disarray. When Brandon Mader and his family stepped into their backyard, they were greeted with a gaping concrete hole, a stark reminder of a pool project that had gone horribly awry. This is just one of the many stories that have emerged, shedding light on the unscrupulous practices of a pool builder who has left a trail of unfinished projects and disgruntled customers in his wake.

Betrayed Promises and Vanishing Funds: The Troubling Saga of Unity Pools

The Allure of a "Big NFL Star" and Broken Commitments

Mader, like many other homeowners, was initially drawn to Unity Pools and its owner, Travis Scott, by the promise of a competent pool builder with a pedigree. Scott, according to Mader, "boasted about being a competent pool builder" and even "gloated about something else" – his alleged status as a "big NFL star." Impressed by Scott's self-proclaimed expertise and stature, Mader entrusted him with a $138,000 contract to build his dream pool, a fire pit, and other amenities. However, the project quickly spiraled out of control, with Scott demanding and receiving a $40,000 upfront payment before even starting the work.

Partial Progress and Vanishing Funds

Over the course of a few months, Mader continued to provide Scott with a series of checks, eventually totaling around $125,000. At this point, Mader says the project was 90 percent paid in full, but only 50 percent of the work had been completed before Scott abruptly stopped showing up. Mader's frustration is palpable, as he laments, "He boasted he is a person of integrity. He's got integrity tattooed across his chest. He should probably get that removed."

A Trail of Abandoned Projects and Disgruntled Customers

Mader's experience is not an isolated incident. Blake Carbonatto, another homeowner, also fell victim to Unity Pools and Scott's abandoned project. "I think he knows exactly what he's doing," Carbonatto said, echoing the sentiments of countless others who have been left in the lurch. In fact, the Arizona Registrar of Contractors has revoked Unity Pools' license after receiving a staggering 15 consumer complaints, and there are four pending lawsuits against Scott for his pool-related antics.

Swell Builders: A New Venture, Same Troubling Practices

Undeterred by the mounting legal troubles and consumer complaints, Scott has now opened a new pool company called Swell Builders, which is not licensed. According to Mader, Scott's modus operandi remains the same – he quickly takes homeowners' money, makes it seem like progress is being made, and then disappears, leaving them stranded. Mader's words resonate with a chilling clarity: "In reality, you know, I had no clue about him. The guy has all my money and I'm at his mercy. And that's where he gets people. He takes their money quick. Makes it seem like things are progressing and bounces. And before you know it, you're stuck."

Seeking Recourse: The Uphill Battle for Homeowners

Homeowners who have filed a complaint with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors may be able to recoup some, but not all, of their money from the agency's Recovery Fund. However, the total amount doled out per licensed company is capped, and with numerous complainants, the path to full restitution remains arduous and uncertain. As the victims of Scott's alleged misdeeds continue to grapple with the aftermath, the question remains: will justice be served, and will the shattered dreams of these homeowners ever be fully restored?